This week’s teacher: Liz Vitell

Liz Vitell began her yoga journey several decades ago when she lived in South America and took private Hatha classes taught in the middle of a fragrant eucalyptus grove. Later, after completing her 200-hour training, she began teaching Baptiste style Vinyasa yoga. She completed a 95-hour children’s yoga teacher training with Global Family Yoga® in 2014, and also holds a certificate in Therapeutic Yoga for Children. Liz became a certified Yin Yoga teacher in the spring of 2014. In 2016, she obtained her prenatal and postnatal yoga certification. Liz is also a licensed attorney focusing primarily on human rights, victims’ rights, and social services. Her email address is evitell@gmail.com.

2. How has yoga changed your life? I can hold space for experiences (other’s + my own) with more authenticity, compassion, and responsibility.

3. What is the philosophy you try to instill in your students? I find myself always coming back to listening and trust, especially during these confusing times in our country and world. Connecting to what is truly important to us, and sharing that with others is our contribution – whether it be through a relationship with a family member, co-worker, friend or society as a whole.

4. What was one of your most profound moments in teaching? A new student came to class one day. When the class began she stopped for a moment – she took off her leg. She removed her prosthesis and placed it by her mat. She practiced every pose with such grace. She was an inspiration and a reminder to me that just by showing up, every student brings their own lifetime of experience and wisdom with them.

5. What do you see influencing or affecting yoga teachers and students in the next five years? A deeper call to action and social responsibility through self realization. Even more awareness of the effects of the practice on the mind, emotions and energy that can help balance the collective sub-conscious. And – a real movement toward asana photos with authenticity.